Name of Object:

Photograph

Location:

London, United Kingdom

Holding Institution:

Victoria and Albert Museum

 About Victoria and Albert Museum, London

Date of Object:

1898

Author:

Unknown

Inventory Number:

E.2283:191-1997

Material(s) / Technique(s):

Platinum print

Dimensions:

Height: 27.5 cm album, Width: 80 cm album open

Provenance:

United Kingdom

Description:

This photograph is taken from a family photograph album. Most of the photographs in it are printed on platinum paper, which was introduced in 1879.
Throughout most of the 19th century women had few legal rights to property, money, children, or even, after marriage, their own bodies. However, there were great changes in attitudes during the last decade of the century. The traditional role of women was questioned and some women openly defied convention. They educated themselves by reading widely and took up what were seen as 'un-ladylike' activities such as smoking and cycling. The free movement of the bicycle was seen as a symbol of equality and personal freedom.

Citation of this web page:

Victoria and Albert Museum "Photograph" in "Sharing History", Museum With No Frontiers, 2024. https://sharinghistory.museumwnf.org/database_item.php?id=object;AWE;uk;144;en

Prepared by: Victoria and Albert Museum

MWNF Working Number: UK 144